Obituary of Gordon LaFaye

Gordon A. LaFaye, Jr. Olean, NY Gordon A. LaFaye, Jr, 58, of 1821 W. Franklin St. died Sunday (January 19, 2014) as a result of injuries sustained in a house fire at his residence. Born April 23, 1955 in Brooklyn he was the son of Gordon LaFaye, Sr. and Dorothy Sokalowski Mondell. "Gordie", as he was affectionately known, was raised in Brooklyn near Coney Island and attended school there. He later resided in Avoca for many years. Other residences included Ohio where he used his talents doing odd jobs, mostly painting houses. In Florida he worked as an industrial painter which took him many places in the United States. He also operated a salvage yard. While in Philadelphia he worked as a jack of all trades and house painter. He moved to the Western New York area a number of years ago and had recently been residing in Olean for over five years. He continued to do odd jobs including some grounds keeping at Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home. Gordie enjoyed the outdoors, being in the woods and building with his hands. He had an unfulfilled but hopeful goal of owning a cabin in a rural area. He recently enjoyed time in Florida visiting some of his family and friends and meeting his new grandsons. He loved his sons and his siblings and was proud of his grandchildren. He had a natural kindness to all whom he met and spoiling any children he came to know gave him great joy. Surviving are three sons Gordon LaFaye and Jeffrey LaFaye, both of Orlando and Gregory LaFaye of Dansville; five grandchildren; six brothers and sisters Chester Chicotka of Susanville, CA, Marie Simms of Euclid, OH, David LaFaye of Mentor, OH, Michelle (Wendell) Faucette of Bath, Cecelia (Louie) Parsons of Dansville and Robert LaFaye of St. Petersburg, FL and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his former wife Gloria Fisher of Orlando and a best friend of many years Dean (Clara) Mullens. He was predeceased by his parents and two sisters Ginger LaFaye and Diane Youngman. A memorial service is being planned by family members to take place at a date and time to be announced. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, Olean. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service for Gordon A. LaFaye, Jr. which will be held Saturday (March 1, 2014) beginning at 1pm at the Allegany Knights of Columbus club room at Main and 5th Streets in Allegany. The family will welcome Gordie's friends to stay for a BBQ reception immediately following the service. Gordie passed away Sunday (January 19, 2014). His complete obituary appeared in the Olean Times Herald January 22 and can be viewed at oleanfuneralhome.com.